THE INFLUENCE OF LIFE-STYLE AND DIET ON THE LIPOPROTEIN PROFILE OF BORDER COLLIES

Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in tw o groups of Border Collies, one actively working and the other pets. B aseline concentrations of total, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and hig h density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were higher, and HDL triglycer ide concentrations lower in the pet dogs. Lifestyle of the dogs was as sessed by questionnaire completed by the owners. Measurement of exerci se was made by visual observation and using a Caltrac activity monitor . The working dogs were a homogenous group with respect to lifestyle a nd diet, but the pet dogs showed differences in lipoprotein profile re lating to housing, dietary fat and exercise intensity. Two diets with different levels of dietary fat (13 and 20 per cent dry weight) were g iven for two months each. After two months on either of the diets the cholesterol concentration of the working dogs increased and HDL trigly ceride concentration decreased, and there were no significant differen ces between the groups, but very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) trigly ceride increased significantly in the less arrive pet dogs.